
Two of J. Dilla's most prized musical instruments are being donated by his mother to The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. As part of the museum's new "Musical Crossroads" exhibit launching in 2016, Dilla's mom donated his custom-built Minimoog Voyager synth as well as his Akai MIDI Production Center 3000 to the exhibit. Along with Dilla, collections from Chuck D, George Clinton, Louis Armstrong, and more will be included in the display.
"I feel it’s necessary to raise the level of art appreciation in the hip-hop sector and honor my son James Dewitt Yancey, one of the most influential individuals in the history of hip-hop," said Dilla's mom, Maureen Yancey, in a press statement.
Watch footage above of Dilla's mom donating the equipment during the annual "DC Loves Dilla" event.